Joining device for two building elements

ABSTRACT

A box element for use in joining two building elements has a main body having a longitudinal axis, an end which, in a mounted state, is arranged facing out from the building element, a section that allows the box element to be used for joining the two building elements, and a first flange which extends in a direction radial in relation to the longitudinal axis and is connected to an outer side of the main body. The first flange is arranged at a distance from the end and adapted for abutment against a portion of the building element. The relative distance between the first flange and the end is such that the end, in a mounted state, will be located at a distance from the building element. The main body comprises at least one fastening device.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to a box element for use in joining two building elements, a flange for use together with the box element, a system for use in joining two building elements and a method for the same.

2. Related Art

When building elements are to be assembled into a building, there are many ways this can be done. One such way is a system that is invisible after assembly. A non-visible system can also be configured in several ways: there may be systems including movable bridge elements that are moved from an approximately retracted position in which they do not project beyond the building element to a forward position in which they can be in engagement with both building elements that are to be joined. Another alternative is a system in which there is a projecting bridge element that cannot be moved relative to the building element and where the second building element is suspended from this bridge element. In the first case, too, the second building element can be suspended from the bridge element, but with the movable bridge element, the second building element can be moved into a joining position, the bridge element then being moved into a forward position where by means of this movement it is moved into engagement with both building elements. This first system with a movable bridge element thus has advantages over the system with the non-movable bridge element, such as no projecting parts during transport but where all parts are in place during transport, and greater possibilities as regards joining building elements.

Such systems may also be suitable for use, for example, in attaching balconies and external galleries to an outside of a building. These invisible joining systems entail that elements must be fastened to bearing structures, and these elements must then inevitably extend through insulation and an outer cladding. It has been found difficult to obtain a good seal around these through passages in a simple manner.

SUMMARY

One or more embodiments of the present invention provides a simple way of producing a good seal around elements that are used in connection with the joining of two building elements, such as a wall and a balcony or an external gallery, where an element, for example, is to extend through a layer of insulation.

One or more embodiments of the present invention relates to a box element for use in joining two building elements. These building elements may be a wall and a balcony or an external gallery. The box element comprises a main body having a longitudinal axis and a first end which, in a mounted state, when the box element is secured in relation to a first building element, is arranged facing out from the first building element. The main body also comprises means such that the box element can be used for joining two building elements. These means may either be an inner cavity adapted for insertion of a bridge element, which either is a movable bridge element or a fixed bridge element, or they may consist in the main body comprising an extended projecting end capable of engaging with the second building element. The box element further comprises a first flange which extends in a direction substantially radial to its longitudinal axis and is connected to an outer side of the main body. The first flange also extends around the whole main body.

According to one or more embodiments of the invention, the first flange is arranged at a distance from the first end and the flange is adapted to abut against a portion of the first building element. The relative distance between the first flange and the end is such that the end, in a mounted state, will be located at a distance from the first building element. The main body further comprises at least one fastening device, the main body and fastening device being so configured that a second flange can be introduced over the end and secured to the main body, such that a sheet membrane of the first building element, during mounting of the box element, can be sandwiched between the first and second flange, thereby forming a substantially leak-proof connection. The leak-proof connection is formed between the box element and the sheet membrane and will thus prevent, for example, rain water from seeping in around the box element and into the building element, and, for example, an insulation layer arranged inside of the sheet membrane.

According to one aspect of the invention, at least one fastening device may be secured to an outer side of the main body between the end and the first flange. In one variant it is conceivable that the fastening device is secured to an inner side of a cavity in the main body.

In one embodiment, the fastening device may comprise a bracket element secured to the main body and an attachment element movably arranged in relation to the bracket element. The bracket element may be secured to the main body, for example, by welding, screw fastening or be formed as a piece of the main body that is turned out relative to the rest of the main body so as to form a bracket. The attachment element may, for example, be an element which at least in a part of its surface has external threads and which is moved relative to the bracket by, for example, being in engagement with internal threads in a through hole in the bracket. This attachment element, at one end facing the flange, may be configured with a termination which has a larger area than a cross-sectional area of the portion with the external threads.

According to one aspect, the main body may have a substantially quadrangular cross-section. Here, it is conceivable that the cross-section is rectangular or square. It is also possible to form the main body with cross-sections other than quadrangular, for example, pentagonal, triangular, partly curved etc. When the cross-section is quadrangular, fastening devices can in one embodiment be secured to two opposing sides of the cross-section.

According to another aspect, the first flange may be connected in a leak-proof manner to the main body around a periphery of the main body. Such a leak-proof connection can be obtained by, for example, welding or alternatively by means of a sealing system in the form of sealing elements between the flange and the main body.

According to one or more embodiments of the invention, a flange is provided for use in connection with a box element as defined above. According to one or more embodiments of the invention, the flange comprises a through opening that is larger than an external cross-section or periphery of the main body, and where the opening is so configured that the flange can be introduced over the main element and the fastening devices and, once in position for securing, laterally displaced in relation to the longitudinal axis of the main body so as to enable the fastening devices to engage with the flange. When the main body has a rectangular cross-section, an opening in the flange will have a rectangular shape, wherein one width is just slightly larger than an outer form of the main body, and it will essentially be such that it is possible to displace the flange in relation to the main body, whilst the second width is somewhat larger so that it is also possible to obtain a lateral displacement when the flange has been put in place.

One or more embodiments of the present invention also comprises a system for use when securing one building element to another building element. The system comprises a box element and a flange as defined above, wherein the box element comprises an inner cavity and the end that will project from the building is an open end. The system further comprises a bridge element movably arranged in the cavity of the box element, which bridge element can be moved from a retracted position approximately inside the box element to an extended position in which a part is inside the box element and a part of the bridge element extends out of the box element and, when building elements are joined, will be in engagement with the second building element.

One or more embodiments of the present invention further relates to a method for establishing a leak-proof attachment of a box element of a joining system for joining one building element to another building element, to one of the building elements, where a box element as defined above is secured to one of the building elements, a sheet membrane covering at least a part of the building element and having a hole for a portion of the box element is placed in abutment against the first flange, between the flange and the end of the box element, a second flange, as defined above, is introduced over the end and secured by fastening devices to the box element such that the sheet membrane is sandwiched between the first and second flange and a leak-proof connection is formed. Leak-proof in this context should be understood as leak-proof against a liquid such as water.

Furthermore, either a bridge element which is inside the box element is pulled out or a bridge element can be inserted into the box element, and a second building element can be secured to the first building element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described by non-limiting exemplary embodiments and with reference to the attached drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a box element with a bridge element and a second flange prior to final joining;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the device in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the device in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows the device in FIG. 1 seen along its longitudinal axis; and

FIG. 5 is a basic diagram showing how the device in FIG. 1 can be secured to a building element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereafter, embodiments of the invention will be described. In embodiments of the invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid obscuring the invention.

FIGS. 1 to 4 show the same system seen from different sides. The box element 1 comprises a main body 10, in this embodiment formed having four side panels 11, 12, 13, 14 which define a rectangular outer cross-section. The four side panels 11, 12, 13, 14, are at one end joined to an end panel 15 and thus define an inner cavity which at the opposite end 16 to the end panel 15 is open. A longitudinal axis for the main body extends from the end panel 15 to the opposite end 16. Affixed to the side panels are fastening devices 19 for securing to a first building element (not shown). Alternatively, this box element may also be cast in the building element. A first flange 17 is fastened to the main body 10 at a small distance from the open end 16, and extends in a substantially radial direction in relation to the longitudinal axis of the main body. Furthermore, between the open end 16 and the first flange 17, two fastening devices 18 are affixed to an outer side of two opposing side panels 11, 13. When the box element is unmounted and not screwed together, there is a small distance between the fastening devices 18 and the first flange 17. Furthermore, a second flange 20 can be seen which has been introduced partly over a bridge element 30 arranged inside the inner cavity of the box element 1, where the bridge element 30 in the figure is in an extended position. The second flange 20 is configured with a through opening 21 which is adapted to the outer periphery of the main body and which also comprises cut-outs 22 having a shape corresponding to the fastening devices 18, such that the second flange 20 can be introduced over the end 16 and the fastening devices 18, and when the second flange 20 has been moved to a position between the fastening devices 18 and the first flange 17, it can be laterally displaced thereby allowing the fastening devices 18 to obtain engagement with the second flange 20 and press the second flange 20 against the first flange 17 when the fastening devices 18 are tightened. It can be seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4 that the opening 21 has a form such that the second flange can be laterally displaced. Furthermore, it can be seen from FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 that sound damping elements 40 are disposed between the bridge element 30 and the main body 10, such that sound transfer between the two building elements can be dampened. The sound damping elements 40 may be in the form of a rubber sleeve, or two U-shaped rubber elements, with grooves in their surface such that cavities are formed between the rubber sleeve and the main body 10. It can also be seen from FIG. 3 that the bridge element comprises a hole 31 for attachment of a stop member 31 (shown in FIG. 5) which prevents the bridge element from moving into the box element again during mounting.

FIG. 5 shows the box element mounted in connection with a building element. The main body 10 is secured by fastening devices 19 to the building element 50, for example, a hollow core slab. The box element 1 is secured to the hollow core slab 50 such that it extends through a first layer 51 of the building element that runs essentially at right angles to the hollow core slab 50. This first layer 51 may, for example, comprise a layer of insulation. The first flange 17 rests against this first layer 51 with the side of the first flange 17 that faces away from the open end 16. Alternatively, there may be a distance between the first flange 17 and this first layer 51. When the box element 1 is mounted to the hollow core slab 50 such that it extends through the layer 51, a sheet membrane 52 with openings for the end 16 of the main body 10 is mounted such that the sheet membrane 52 rests against the side of the first flange 17 facing towards the end 16. The opening in the sheet membrane 52 is such that it easily passes over the end 16, but the sheet membrane 52 and the flange 17 are formed so as to produce an overlap of the sheet membrane 52 in relation to the first flange 17. The second flange 20 is introduced over the end 16 and secured to the main body 10 and with this pressed against the first flange 17, so that the sheet membrane 52 is sandwiched between the first and the second flange 17, 20 and a sealed connection is obtained, such that, for example, water cannot seep into the first layer 51 of the building element. According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the size of the flanges 17, 20 is the same and must also be such that there is a good overlap between flanges and sheet membrane. The bridge element 30 can now, if not earlier, be moved into an extended position, drawn forward and secured in this position, thereby allowing a second building element to be secured to the projecting end of the bridge element. Alternatively, the second building element can be moved so that it has a receiving part for the bridge element aligned with the end, where the bridge element is then moved from a retracted position to an extended position in which it engages with the receiving portion of a second building element (not shown).

The invention has now been explained by non-limiting exemplary embodiments. One of skill in the art will understand that changes and modifications can be made to the illustrated examples which are within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims below.

While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments can be devised which do not depart from the scope of the invention as disclosed herein. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be limited only by the attached claims. 

1.-9. (canceled)
 10. A box element for use in joining two building elements comprising: a main body having a longitudinal axis; an end which, in a mounted state, is arranged facing out from the building element; a section that allows the box element to be used for joining the two building elements; and a first flange which extends in a direction radial in relation to the longitudinal axis and is connected to an outer side of the main body, wherein the first flange is arranged at a distance from the end and adapted for abutment against a portion of the building element, wherein the relative distance between the first flange and the end is such that the end, in a mounted state, will be located at a distance from the building element, wherein the main body comprises at least one fastening device, wherein the main body and the fastening device are configured such that a second flange can be introduced over the end and secured to the main body, wherein said second flange further comprises a first opening which is adapted to the outer periphery of the main body, wherein second openings has a shape corresponding to the fastening devices, and wherein a sheet membrane of the building element, during mounting of the box element, can be sandwiched between the first and second flange thereby forming a substantially leak-proof connection.
 11. A box element according to claim 10, wherein at least one fastening device is secured to an outer side of the main body between the end and the first flange.
 12. A box element according to claim 10, wherein a fastening device comprises a bracket element secured to the main body and an attachment element movably arranged in relation to the bracket element.
 13. A box element according to claim 10, wherein the main body has a quadrangular cross-section.
 14. A box element according to claim 13, wherein there are secured fastening devices secured to two opposing sides.
 15. A box element according to claim 10, wherein the first flange is connected in a leak-proof manner to the main body around a periphery of the main body.
 16. A flange for use in connection with a box element according to claim 10, comprising a through hole which is larger than the outer cross-section of the main body and configured such that the flange can be introduced over the end of the main body; the flange further comprising respective cut-outs having a shape corresponding to the fastening devices.
 17. The flange of claim 16, wherein the flange is configured for, once in position for securing, being laterally displaced in relation to the longitudinal axis of the main body such that the fastening devices enter engagement with the flange.
 18. A system for use in securing one building element to another building element, comprising: a box element according to claim 10, wherein the main body has an inner cavity and the end forms an open end, and a flange comprising a through hole which is larger than the outer cross-section of the main body and configured such that the flange can be introduced over the end of the main body; the flange further comprising respective cut-outs having a shape corresponding to the fastening devices, wherein a bridge element is movably arranged in the cavity of the box element, and wherein the bridge element can be moved from a retracted position approximately inside the box element to an extended position where a part is located inside the box element and a part of the bridge element extends out of the box element and, when building elements are joined, will engage with the second building element whilst the box element is secured to the first building element.
 19. A method for establishing a leak-proof attachment of a box element of a joining system for joining one building element to another building element, to one of the building elements, comprising: securing a box element according to claim 10 to parts of one of the building elements, placing a sheet membrane covering at least a part of the building element and having a hole for a portion of the box element against the first flange, between the first flange and the end of the box element, and introducing a second flange comprising a through hole, which is larger than the outer cross-section of the main body and configured such that the flange can be introduced over the end of the main body; the flange further comprising respective cut-outs having a shape corresponding to the fastening devices, over the end and secured by the fastening devices to the box element such that the sheet membrane is sandwiched between the first and second flange and a leak-proof sealed connection is formed.
 20. A box element according to claim 11, wherein a fastening device comprises a bracket element secured to the main body and an attachment element movably arranged in relation to the bracket element.
 21. A box element according to claim 11, wherein the main body has a quadrangular cross-section.
 22. A box element according to claim 12, wherein the main body has a quadrangular cross-section.
 23. A box element according to claim 20, wherein the main body has a quadrangular cross-section.
 24. A box element according to claim 11, wherein the first flange is connected in a leak-proof manner to the main body around a periphery of the main body.
 25. A box element according to claim 12, wherein the first flange is connected in a leak-proof manner to the main body around a periphery of the main body.
 26. A box element according to claim 13, wherein the first flange is connected in a leak-proof manner to the main body around a periphery of the main body.
 27. A box element according to claim 14, wherein the first flange is connected in a leak-proof manner to the main body around a periphery of the main body.
 28. A box element according to claim 20, wherein the first flange is connected in a leak-proof manner to the main body around a periphery of the main body.
 29. A box element according to claim 21, wherein the first flange is connected in a leak-proof manner to the main body around a periphery of the main body. 